Tiān Má (天麻) — Gastrodia rhizome / Tall gastrodia orchid

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Tiān Má (天麻) — Gastrodia elata — is known in English as Gastrodia rhizome / Tall gastrodia orchid. It belongs to the category of Herbs that calm the Liver and extinguish Wind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Tiān Má as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Extinguishes Liver Wind and alleviates spasm — the most important single herb for internal Wind
2. Anchors the Liver Yang and relieves headache and dizziness
3. Dispels Wind-Damp and unblocks the channels — for painful obstruction and numbness
4. Calms the Mind and relieves anxiety

Indications

1. Headache and migraine from Liver Yang rising — one of the most important headache herbs
2. Dizziness and vertigo — a classical indication, particularly for Liver Wind and Yang rising
3. Hypertension from Liver Yang rising
4. Epilepsy and convulsions from Liver Wind
5. Numbness and tingling of the limbs from Wind-Damp obstructing the channels
6. Stroke rehabilitation — post-stroke tremor and weakness

4. Key formulas containing Tiān Má

Tiān Má appears in the following key formulas:

• Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) is the primary single herb for all forms of internal Liver Wind and is one of the most important herbs for neurological conditions. Key bioactive constituents include gastrodin (p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol glucoside), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillyl alcohol, polysaccharides and 4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether. Research confirms significant neuroprotective effects (protecting neurons from ischaemic damage), antiepileptic properties, analgesic effects, antihypertensive activity (vasodilatory), anxiolytic and sedative effects, anti-platelet aggregation properties and anti-inflammatory activity. Gastrodin crosses the blood-brain barrier and has specific activity at GABA-A receptors. Multiple clinical trials confirm Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin for hypertension and the combination Tian Ma + Gou Teng for migraine prevention.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Blood deficiency without Wind — Tian Ma extinguishes Wind but does not nourish Blood; it must be combined with Blood-nourishing herbs when deficiency is present. Generally well tolerated.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Tiān Má as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Headaches, Migraines, Tinnitus. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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